4. Kenya – My Dream Place, My Home
By Elnorie Claveria-Caballero, BSBA’80
C
oming to Africa is a dream come true for me! We are ever grateful that God gave us the
chance to work in Zimbabwe and in Ethiopia, but working here in Kenya topped it all.
It was very humbling to find myself here in the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) headquarters, which
is our Division office for East and Central Africa. As an accountant, I wanted to work in the accounting
office but God works in mysterious ways. It’s only now that I realize that being an Administrative
Assistant to the ECD President is not only enjoyable but also rewarding. Truly, the joy and satisfaction
in working for God can be experienced in any department or line of work when God is the one
leading.
The East-Central Africa Division (ECD) is situated in a very picturesque location. Offices and houses
dot the rolling hills, interspersed with thorn trees and other vegetation - home for the gazelles and
other
wildlife.
Climate: Kenya is not only an ideal place to work in but also to live in. All year round, we enjoy the
coolness that cannot be found in many parts of the world. As of this writing, I can feel the cold breeze
through my half-open window, reminding me of God’s free air-conditioning system.
Missionary Outreach: MVC has instilled in us the joy of serving others, therefore our Sabbaths are
not only spent inside the four walls of the church, but several times during the year, we also minister
to the needs of our brothers and sisters in the Masai Village down the road beyond the hills. We
usually bring water to the village people during dry season. Sometimes we bring loaves of bread to
distribute to the families. We also give biscuits and sweets as treats to the children. They love eating
bananas together with bread. A number of times, we distributed clothes and books from donors and
friends. It is a joy to see the smiles on their faces. Through the years, we have established friendship
with these Masai tribes and it is our hope that through our humble ministry, they will learn to love
and serve Jesus who is the greatest Friend of all.
As a leader of the Advent Hill Ladies, I organize a cooking class which meets once a quarter. I
especially enjoy teaching them fruit and vegetable carving skills which are being harnessed during
special occasions. Our Shepherdess group visits the Women’s Prison and the Men’s Prison. We
distribute books, food, clothes and other things to the inmates after we hold Sabbath services with
them.
Safari Experience: The Nairobi National Game Park is located within the City. It is amazing to see
firsthand how wonderfully God has created these varied and beautiful wild animals. I cannot thank
God enough for this rare privilege given me to enjoy the safari trips here in Kenya.
I count this as a great chance to invite everyone to come and taste the joy of being immersed in God’s
creation! Karibu to Kenya!
Elnorie C. Caballero (BSBA’80) writes from Kenya where she SHINES ON! as the Administrative Assistant to the president
of the East-Central Africa Division which comprises of 11 African countries. Starting in MVC as a full time working student,
Elnorie had no idea that she would spend 22 years working at MVC after graduation, and that she would teach in Ethiopia,
and work in Zimbabwe and Kenya. She personally attests that when God leads, there is nothing to worry about!
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